The Association believes that the safest firearm is one that is being handled by a safety conscious sportsman. We are working hard to insure that shooters understand the critical role they play in protecting the safety of themselves and those around them.

ABOUT THE RANGE

The Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs Inc. was founded in 1934 to help protect the rights of gun owners and sportsman throughout the state of New Jersey. The Cherry Ridge Range is the flagship range of the ANJRPC. By joining the Cherry Ridge Range and ANJRPC, you are helping to continue the traditions started by those early members, and help preserve our Second Amendment rights.

The Range Safety Rules are designed to make our range as safe as possible and to safely and conveniently accommodate as many of our range members as possible at any given time. The Range Manager is present at all times, and a Range Officer is present whenever the range is open to the shooting membership.

As part of your membership, every other month you will receive a copy of our newsletter News and Briefs, in which you will find a list of all matches. The range on which the match is being held will be closed for that day (or as otherwise specified; all times are approximate) Current work projects may also require the closing of one or more of the ranges, please call the RANGE AVAILABILITY HOTLINE at (973) 764-1333 before you come to shoot.

The ANJRPC Inc. is not responsible for enforcing either state or federal firearms laws. We recommend that you do not bring any illegal firearms or illegal firearm components to the Cherry Ridge Range. We urge any members with questions about these laws to contact their attorney, or one of the attorneys retained by ANJRPC for this purpose. The latter are listed in each issue of our newsletter News & Briefs.

Certain restrictive New Jersey gun laws provide exemptions for transportation to and from a recognized rifle and pistol club range. One law allows temporary firearm transfer of possession at a range such as Cherry Ridge, which submits the names of its members (without addresses or telephone numbers) annually to the State Police.

GENERAL RANGE USE

The Cherry Ridge Range opens at 8:30 am. Closing times are seasonal. (approximately 1 hour before sunset) Please call the Range Availability Hotline, or ask a Range Officer for exact closing time. All vehicles must be off range property by sundown.

With the exception of organized tournaments and special club events, the use of the range is restricted to members holding a range privileges membership and their authorized guests.

Members MUST wear their range privileges pass in PLAIN VIEW

Have their membership card with them

The loan of a range privilege pass or membership card is prohibited.

All junior members must be supervised by an adult member with full range privileges at all times.

Pets and children must be supervised by an adult, and are not permitted to run free.

Once you receive your range privileges pass you may go directly to the range on which you wish to shoot.

The range clubhouse is open for your use.

The code for the door can be found on your wallet membership card.

Please leave the clubhouse as you found it.

The ANJRPC Foundation store is also located in the clubhouse. Store hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm winter, 5:00PM summer, 7 days a week. The store offers items from the following categories:

Can be obtained from Range Manager, or Chief Range Officer during store off hours

Rental of clay bird throwers, target frames, five stand keys.

There is no smoking within 20 feet of any firing line, high-power pits and inside the club house building.

Hunting and fishing is not permitted anywhere on ANJRPC property.

No alcoholic beverages are permitted on ANJRPC property at any time.

Vandalism will not be tolerated!

ANJRPC property is monitored by a closed circuit TV system.

Anyone found vandalizing ANJRPC property will be held liable for the cost of damages and can lose their membership.

All litter should be removed from the range by the member.

All spent shells casings must be picked up.

Spent shells casings can be taken home with you for recycling or reloading.

ANJRPC has provided brass recycling barrels if you do not wish to take your brass home.

Any live ammunition MUST be taken home. Please do not put any live ammunition in the brass barrels or garbage.

In the event of a thunderstorm, all ranges will be cleared. Members must do one of the following

Go to their automobiles

Go to the clubhouse

Leave the range

Range Officers will monitor the weather and determine when the range is to re-open.

SAFETY RULES FOR ALL SHOOTING RANGES

RANGE SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY!!! ANY UNSAFE ACT

SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE RANGE OFFICERS IMMEDIATELY!!!

FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS

No fully automatic firearms are permitted.

The use of firearms not designed to be fired from the hand or shoulder is not permitted.

No firearms are allowed in which the action cannot be locked open. Only muzzleloaders are accepted.

The use of tracer, incendiary, or armor piercing ammunition is prohibited.

RANGE OFFICERS’ AUTHORITY

The Range Officers have the authority to enforce these safety rules and regulations, and assist members when necessary.

Abusive or profane language directed at any range personnel will result in a review of your suitability for membership.

Any & all commands given by Range Officers and range personnel must be obeyed immediately and without question.

Range Officers and range personnel reserve the right to inspect any firearms or ammunition for safety considerations.

If you have any questions or safety concerns, please feel free to approach any Range Officer with them. If a Range Officer is not present please use an orange call box to contact one. The call boxes are located:

On all firing lines

In the 200/300 yard target area

Outside clubhouse main entrance

At the main gate.

MANDATORY SAFETY RULES

The wearing of hearing protection and safety glasses is mandatory for all shooters and anyone standing along the firing line.

Firearms may only be handled when the firing line is ready or “Hot” (this is when firing is permitted).

NEVER handle a firearm when the firing line is not ready or “safe”.

No one is allowed to carry a firearm anywhere on range property with the following exception.

Law enforcement personnel that are on duty and in uniform or displaying credentials.

Firearms that are not being handled or that are unattended must either be cased or have a safety flag installed in the chamber. (NOT in the end of the barrel).

The safety flag must be the type sold by the NRA and/or CMP or of substantially similar design. A substantially similar safety flag is one that meets all of the following criteria.

It must extend into the chamber of the firearm.

It must have a flag that extends out of the chamber of the firearm and blocks its function.

In the absence of a proper chamber flag, an unattended firearm on the firing line must be unloaded and placed back in its case.

If you handle a firearm after the range has been made safe or “cold” or do not have a safety flag installed in the chamber of the firearm, you will be told to leave the range for the day.

Remember to treat every firearm as if it were loaded.

Any and all rapid fire is to be done in a controlled manner.

All rounds fired must hit your target AND the impact berm beyond. (you are responsible for the entire flight of your bullet).

If any rounds miss the berm or leave the range you may be asked to please slow your rate of fire.

Your finger should remain off the trigger until the firearm is aimed at the target except under the following exception:

If the shooter holds a NRA or USAS Pistol classification card, and is practicing for, or shooting in a “bullseye” pistol match.

The muzzle of all firearms (even if safety flag is installed) must be kept pointed down range at all times.

Before any shooters proceed forward of the firing line, the line must be made “safe” (See PROCEDURES FOR CALLING THE LINE “SAFE” OR “HOT”).

The firearm must be placed on the shooting bench pointing down range, with the:

Bolt open and/or slides locked back

Safety flag installed in the chamber

Magazines must be unloaded (fix mag) or removed

If no safety flag is available, you must unload and place the firearm in its case.

Do not approach your bench when the firing line has been made “safe”.

Please take anything you need for the target change off of your bench and place it behind the yellow line before the line is made safe. For ranges with no yellow line please remain a minimum of 5 feet behind your bench.

Firearms are not to be handled after the line has been made “safe”

The firing line will remain “safe” until all shooters have returned from down range and are behind the yellow line or 5 feet behind the shooting benches.

When transporting a firearm to and from a firing bench, it must be unloaded and in a gun case.

Firearms should be loaded on the firing line only (except for muzzleloaders).

When first arriving at any range:

Firearms must remain in their gun case if the range is “safe”.

Do not move your cased and unloaded firearm past the yellow line or closer than 5 feet to the benches if the firing line is “safe”.

When the firing line is “hot” you may take your firearm to the bench, un-case it pointing down range and install the safety flag. You should then prepare to set your target on the next ceasefire.

You must place a target down range before you may shoot.

Target must be the proper type for the range you are shooting on. See SAFETY RULES FOR INDIVIDUAL SHOOTING RANGES for proper target types.

Silhouette type target and photo realistic targets are permitted, provided they do not depict any readily recognizable person alive or dead.

No more than one target frame should be placed per firing port on the 100 Yard, Handgun, and Multipurpose Ranges.

oTarget frame must be placed directly in front of your firing port.

oTargets MUST be placed on your frame so that all rounds hit the target and the berm beyond.

oIf any rounds are observed to not hit the berm or are impacting in a non-impact area, you may be asked to stop shooting and adjust your target on the next ceasefire.

oIf using a movable target stand, i.e. sled, it must be placed directly in front of your shooting port.

Multiple members and guests may use a firing port:

oOnly one person per port is permitted to shoot at a time.

Any firing at cans, bottles, wildlife, rocks, vegetation or any other improper target is strictly prohibited.

Target changes are usually done on the hour and half hour.

PROCEDURE FOR CALLING THE FIRING LINE “SAFE” OR “HOT” (ALL RANGES)

LIGHTS MUST BE USED ANY TIME ANYONE IS IN FRONT OF THE FIRING LINE

TO MAKE THE LINE SAFE:

Self -Announce “Shooters make ready for a target change”

Let the shooters finish their strings, unload and make safe their firearms (safety flags installed, magazines removed, or firearms cased).

Wait for all shooters to step behind the yellow line, or 5 feet behind the benches.

All persons on the firing line need to move behind the yellow line or 5 feet behind the benches and may not approach the firing benches until the line is “Hot”.

Ask “Safe on the right? Safe on the left?” and visually verify all are safe.

Announce “range is going cold”.

Turn on red warning lights (100 Yard, Handgun, and Shotgun Ranges) wait for the buzzer to sound before moving forward of the firing line.

TO MAKE THE LINE HOT:

Ensure that all shooters have returned from down range, and are standing behind the yellow line, or 5 feet behind the benches.

Ask “ready on the right, ready on the left” and visually verify all are ready.

RANGE SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY!!! ANY UNSAFE ACT SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE RANGE OFFICERS IMMEDIATELY!!!

100 YARD RANGE

Red warning lights must be used any time anyone is going forward of the firing line. (See PROCEDURES FOR CALLING THE LINE “SAFE” OR “HOT”)

Range is for shooting at paper targets on a standard frame only.

No movable target stands or sleds may be used on the range.

Standard distances are 50 yards, 50 meters and 100 yards.

Firing port designations.

Ports 1-5 are for black power shooting.

Ports 40-50 are for rim fire only when the range is not so busy as to have people waiting to shoot. If the range is busy and the ports are filled, infill is permitted by larger calibers into the rim fire ports.

Handguns may be used on the 100 yard range under all of the following conditions.

They must be of an approved caliber.

Member be pre-approved and must demonstrate to Range Manager or Chief Range Officer your ability to hit the target and impact berm.

Member will be given an exemption form that must be with you when shooting the handgun.

Exemption is not transferable.

Shooting positions may be limited on the exemption form.

HANDGUN RANGE

Red warning lights must be used any time anyone is going forward of the firing line. (See PROCEDURES FOR CALLING THE LINE “SAFE” OR “HOT”).

Range is for shooting at paper targets on a standard frame only.

Movable target sleds are available for distances closer than 25 yards.

NEVER remove a handgun from its case at the seating benches (Behind the yellow line) for any reason.

When loading or handling a handgun ALWAYS keep it pointed down range.

NEVER point it to the sides or down at the ground.

Junior members under the age of 12 may not shoot a handgun.

Junior members between the ages of 12 and 21 will be permitted to shoot a handgun, if they meet one of the following conditions.

If they are accompanied by a Certified NRA Pistol Instructor.

Instructor may be asked to show certification.

Instructor must be a Member with full range privileges.

Instructor is to insure that all Cherry Ridge Range Safety rules are followed.

The instructor must be at the firing bench at all times junior member is firing or handling a handgun.

They have completed the Junior Handgun Safety Course given on the first Sunday of the month and can show proof of successful completion.

They must be supervised by an adult member with full range privileges, who has also completed the Junior Handgun Safety Course.

The adult member must be at the firing bench at all times junior member is firing or handling a pistol.

There is to be no drawing of guns from holster except for retired or active police displaying identification while practicing for a PPC match or qualification and they must check in with range officer.

The last 5 positions to the right side of range are for black powder shooting only.

200/300 YARD RANGE

The shooting schedule for the 2 firing lines is as follows.

8:30 am to 1:00 pm at the 200 yard line except on Wednesdays when the 200 yard line shoots 1:00 pm to closing

1:00 pm to closing at the 300 yard line except on Wednesdays when the 300 yard line shoots 8:30 am to 1:00 pm.

Shooting may continue on the 200 yard line after 1:00pm as long as no other member wants to use the 300 yard line.

Range is for shooting paper targets only.

Single paper targets with one aim point.

Paper targets with multiple aim points that are less than 12" x 12"

All targets must be CENTERED on the frames.

Standard distances are 200 yards and 300 yards.

Members may use multiple target frames as long as the range is not full.

If any member is to remain in the pits to score and operate targets, they MUST have two way radio communications with the firing line.

Cell phones ARE NOT to be used in place of radios.

It is not permitted to exit the pits under any circumstance while the firing line is “hot”.

When the firing line is “hot” the yellow gate must be placed across the road leading to the pits.

First member down opens.

Last member back closes.

Handguns may be fired from the 200 yard line under all of the following conditions.

Member must be pre-approved and must demonstrate to Range Manager or Chief Range Officer your ability to hit the target and impact berm.

Member will be given an exemption form that must be carried when shooting the handgun.

Exemption is not transferable.

Firearm must have a minimum barrel length of 8 inches.

Firearm must be in an approved caliber.

In-line muzzleloaders may be fired from the 200 yard line.

50 CALIBER BMG

50 caliber BMG can be fired from the 300 yard line, between the hours of 1:00 pm to 1 hour before closing on Thursdays and the first Saturday of the month only.

All shooters must check in with the Range Officer BEFORE going to the firing line.

All ammunition must be checked by a Range Officer before shooting.

No steel core, armor piercing, or tracer rounds are permitted.

Shooting is to be done on ports designated by the range officer on the 300 yard line.

Shooters must be able to put ALL rounds in the impact berm. Rifle is to be zeroed at or near 300 yards.

Pre-measured self-contained loads may only be used on the firing line.

All capping and priming is to be done on the firing line.

No duplex loads are to be used in muzzleloaders.

Flint locks must use a flash shield on the flash pan.

All powder horns and powder cans must be kept closed and on the loading bench.

No smoking within 8’ of black power.

No black powder may be brought into the club house.

When target changes are requested, any muzzleloader not in the firing process.

Will be un-primed.

Placed in the rifle rack with its muzzle pointing up.

If a muzzleloader is fouled and cannot be cleared, it must be flooded with water before leaving the range. Contact a Range Officer for assistance.

ARCHERY RANGE

The firing line must be made “safe” before anyone retrieves their arrows.

All crossbows must be discharged before anyone moves forward of the firing line.

All arrows and bolts must be un-nocked.

No one is to handle a crossbow or bow while the line is “safe”

Bag type targets are provided at different ranges

Members may also place their own archery rated targets. Please remove them from the range when you are finished.

NO BROAD HEADS are allowed, field points ONLY.

Please do not move targets or try to remove them from their stands

GUEST SAFETY POLICIES

Your guest is your responsibility!

NO guest is to be left unattended by the member AT ANY TIME

The member must be standing next to the guest at all times when the guest is shooting (In a position to control the firearm if needed)

You must sign in your guest BEFORE you shoot

Member is to provide Range Pass

The guest will provide their name and address

Please ask any range personnel for current fee

All shooting guests must be at least 10 years old (All junior rules apply)

Guests under the age of 12 may not handle or fire a handgun.

Guests between the ages of 12 and 21 may fire a handgun IF they meet the requirements of SAFETY RULES FOR HANDGUN RANGE rule #8

A member may only bring 2 shooting guests per visit to the range

Member and all guests must use the same shooting port.

Only one guest may fire at a time

The guest will receive a form of identification (Guest Pass) and a copy of the Range Safety Rules

Guest MUST wear their Guest privileges pass in PLAIN VIEW

If a guest is observed to be unattended, both guest and member may be asked to leave the range for the day or longer

Guests MUST comply with all Range Safety Rules

If a guest is observed behaving in an unsafe manner by another member or a Range Officer, both guest and member may be asked to leave the range for the day or longer

The member risks losing range privileges for a period of time up to and including loss of membership, depending on the severity of the violation.

It is the member’s responsibility to know and practice all Range Safety Rules (Copies available at the club house)

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT IF ANY GUEST IS OBSERVED SHOOTING UNATTENDED, OR VIOLATES ANY OF THE RANGE SAFETY RULES, MEMBER AND GUEST RISK LOSING RANGE PRIVILEGES FOR THE DAY OR LONGER. THERE CAN ALSO BE ADDITIONAL CONSEQUENCES DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY OF THE INFRACTION.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ANY VIOLATION OF THE CHERRY RIDGE RANGE SAFETY RULES MAY RESULT IN MEMBER BEING ASKED TO LEAVE THE RANGE FOR THE DAY, SUSPENSION OF RANGE PRIVILEGES FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, OR LOSS OF RANGE MEMBERSHIP DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY OR FREQUENCY OF THE VIOLATION.

THE STANDARD TARGET FRAME

The diagram below is a variation of the target frame that must be used on the following ranges.

100 Yard Range

Handgun Range

Multipurpose Range

The frame is made of standard 2’x 2’ wood stock. And meets the following requirements

It must be 72” high and 24” wide

The backer (area targets are attached to) must be a non-metallic, non-splintering material.

The ANJRPC currently offers a folding leg version of this frame at a reasonable price.